Burning The Ground Exclusive
Before she became an international icon of emotional, ethereal pop, Sarah McLachlan made her first bold statement with “Vox,” the debut single from her 1988 album Touch. Released in Canada via Nettwerk Records and later in the U.S. through Arista, “Vox” introduced a uniquely expressive voice and a lush, atmospheric sound that hinted at the brilliance to come.
A New Voice in Canadian Music
“Vox” (Latin for voice) marked the world’s first glimpse of McLachlan’s signature blend of poetic introspection, layered production, and soaring vocals. Written by McLachlan herself at just 19, the song blends new wave, pop, and subtle hints of folk, creating a dreamlike soundscape that would later define her career.
The original Touch album was produced by Greg Reely and Terry McBride (co-founder of Nettwerk), but an alternate U.S. version featured new mixes and a fuller sound, courtesy of famed producer Pierre Marchand, who would become her longtime collaborator.
Chart Performance and Reception
While “Vox” didn’t initially chart in the U.S., it performed modestly in Canada, reaching the Top 100 and building McLachlan’s reputation as a rising alternative artist. Over time, it became a cult favorite and a staple on Canadian alternative and college radio in the late ’80s.
Its accompanying music video — filled with shadowy lighting and surreal imagery — helped expand her profile during the early days of MuchMusic and MTV’s alternative blocks.
Legacy
Though it didn’t become a breakout hit, “Vox” is essential listening for fans of McLachlan’s work. It serves as a time capsule of late ’80s alternative pop and a blueprint for the emotionally charged, sonically rich music that she would later perfect on albums like Solace (1991) and Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993).
In retrospect, “Vox” stands as a powerful opening statement — raw yet elegant, and full of promise. It’s not just the beginning of McLachlan’s recording career; it’s the origin of a voice that would define a generation of introspective pop music.
SIDE A:
Vox (Extended Remix) 6:58
SIDE B:
Vox (Radio Mix) 4:21
Vox (Dub) 5:47
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Nettwerk – NT12 3023
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Canada
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Bass – David Kershaw
- Drums – Ross Hales
- Edited By – George Maniatis, Greg Reely
- Guitar [Electric] – Stephen Nikleva
- Guitar [Slide] – Kevin Kane
- Keyboards – Darren Phillips
- Producer – Greg Reely
- Written-By, Vocals, Guitar [12-string], Keyboards – Sarah McLachlan
NOTES:
The four-point MAPL icon (Music, Artist, Performance, Lyrics) indicates 100% Canadian Content (CanCon).
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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